RESIDENTS who hoped to turn a run-down nature reserve into a green space to mark the millennium have had their dreams dashed.

They have steadfastly and vehemently opposed outline plans to build houses at Primrose Lodge in Clitheroe.

The residents, Clitheroe Council, Lancashire Wildlife Trust and English Nature wanted to use lottery cash to turn the site into a millennium green.

More than 80 locals attended a stormy public meeting chaired by Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans.

They were delighted when last week they heard that the proposed millennium green had passed the first stage of approval. And they launched an appeal for the formation of a committee to steer the project to success.

But now dismayed residents have been told the deal is off amid claims by the site agent that the trustees had "no knowledge of the scheme."

Scheme organiser Denise Pamphlett said she was "disappointed, bemused and angry" after being told by the site agent that the trustees no longer wanted to proceed.

"We have been working on this project for six months and progressing slowly but surely.

"We were at the point where everyone could decide whether the project was viable when told by the site agent of the trustees' decision.

Site agent Peter Walton declined to name the trustees but said they had been unaware of the green space plans for the lodge.

"The trustees haven't been party to any application for the site and haven't given approval to any scheme," he said.

He would not comment when asked what the trustees planned to do with the site.

The Countryside Commission has pledged £10 million for the creation of 250 green spaces throughout the country by the year 2000.

Millennium green schemes are nearing completion at Lumb in Rossendale and Waterside in Colne.

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